TABLE TOPPERS: WBB continue to set the pace in Division One with another winning performance. (c) MiraclePR
First versus second in the WBW (Solicitors) SDFL Premier Division produced a game worthy of the top tier with leaders Torbay Police grabbing a dramatic late winner against Meadowbrook Athletic to extend their lead to five points.
Despite several key players, including leading scorer Jamie Bayliss, being unavailable, the strength in depth of the Bees squad was very apparent as they were still able to field a strong line up.
The Police started brightly but fell behind when Meadowbrook pounced on a loose ball following a corner. A carbon copy goal then saw Brook double their lead. The Police responded by testing the frame of the Brook goal and forcing their goalkeeper into some excellent saves. He couldn’t keep out Beck Hannah’s chip from a Police corner though as the buoyant Bees halved the deficit. They hadn’t quite finished celebrating though when a Brook midfielder lobbed home ‘keeper Adam Blackburn direct from the kick-off. Blackburn managed to tip the ball onto the bar but the ball bounced back on to his outstretched arm and into the goal to restore Meadowbrook’s two goal cushion. Three became four when the dangerous Ben Bowhay crossed to the far post and Sonwabile Mlenze was beaten in the air by an incoming Meadowbrook player to put them 4-1 up and in a good position to take the division’s top spot
Early in the second half, Prestwood stole in to side foot home from close range to make it 4-2 and inspire a Bees comeback. With 25 minutes still to play, Prestwood bagged his second with another calm finish from close range. Soon enough, the almost inevitable equaliser arrived as Prestwood was in again, his deflected shot volleyed home by Bobby Chancellor. Could they find a winner? Once again, the impressive Prestwood was in and clumsily bundled to the floor deep inside the Brook box. Mlenze stepped up and brushed off the pressure to coolly slot home the penalty and winning goal with ten minutes to go. The visitors’ goals were scored by Bowhay, Myles Chalcraft, Jamie Easton and Ben Field.
In-form Ashley Yeoman scored half of Salcombe Town’s goals as they closed to within a point of Meadowbrook with a thumping 8-1 home win over Ivybridge Town Reserves. Joshua Harris scored twice for the Crabs with Charlie Barnes and Luke Milton also on target.
East Allington United lost their first league game of the season, beaten 3-2 at Broadmeadow. Broads scored through Chris Bennett, Malcolm Douglas and Chris Sargent with Justin Denning and Dan Bowles finding the net for the Pirates.
Buckland Athletic Development enjoyed a 4-1 victory over Brixham AFC Reserves. Joshua Clarke, Calum Fyfe, Tre Hansford and Charlie Morgan each found the net for Bucks with Garry Drew managing a consolation for the Fishermen. Joseph Rogers was also dismissed for the visitors.
Beesands Rovers picked up their first point of the season in a 2-2 draw at Newton Abbot ’66 and it was also all square at Moor Road where Ipplepen Athletic were held 1-1 by Plympton Athletic Reserves.
A Billy Clinch hat-trick helped Watts Blake Bearne to maintain their lead at the top of Division One. Cam Gill also scored in a 4-2 win over Stoke Gabriel Reserves. Unbeaten Kingskerswell and Chelston and Barton Athletic also won to keep pace with the leaders.